And so 2011 leaps on...Aussies, Animals and Adventure.
While the year is yet young at heart, it seems that the journey to Comrades 2011 is leaping ahead in Kangaroo bounds. Near the end of January Nicky and I found ourselves in Australia for a week. As any travelers would know, being away from home does tend to play havoc on the routine and put pressure on those weekly training runs. And so we too, suffering from more than our fair share of A.D.D., were busily ensconced in many things, but not running. However in our hearts beat the passion of Comrades, and the need to get a training run in began to steadily mount...plus I'd sort of oversold myself.
I was speaking at a Christian conference and had regaled them with stories of my Comrades conquests...it's awesome to see how impressed foreigners are when you bandy around numbers like 90km. It's all lost on our satiated South Africans. And so it wasn't long before they suggested that I lead an early morning run of interested Aussies. Finding myself stuck between a boast and an Aussie, we finally succumbed. We put out the hard-to-refuse invitation that on the Tuesday morning we would be heading out at 4:45am for a 21km run.
Well, as you can well imagine...they leapt at it like swarm of Roos. Several people came up to me to discuss possible routes and hours were spent pouring over Google Maps and listening with keen interest to the advice of the locals.
4:30am....Beep, Beep, Beep....Squawk..Screech...The alarm woke us in its usual uncaring way. "Eish," Nicky said, "My Aussie Didgeridoo! It's still dark outside. Why did you make us start so early?" Through bleary, unhappy eyes I stared vainly out the window hoping to catch just a glimmer of the new day. In those first few moments, with nauseating regularity, I experience the same thoughts..."Why in the world am I doing this? I love my bed. I want to sleep. This is crazy. I need counseling. All those non-runners were right." However, normally this period of transition is washed away with the warm, bitter, strong kiss of the first espresso. However on this occasion there was no espresso, and so bearing the reproach of my good wife we dressed and hurried outside into the darkness.
Dew lay thickly on the ground, and even though it was not yet 5am the temperature was already reaching the mid 20s. The days had been blisteringly hot, with temperatures as high as 35C even at 7pm. In the lights of the camp we made out one other would-be runner. It's easy to tell - they're the only ones awake and wearing skimpy, non-flattering clothing. Soon we were joined by a young boy of 13 (who'd never run further than 6km) and finally by our guide. The Fabulous Five...up at Five...were off.
A few minutes later we stopped and leapt from the car. We watched with amusement as the Aussies underwent various running rituals...stretch, loosen, twist...Our thinking is, "Hey, we are here to run not do pilates or yoga...leave that to the non-runners." So after a few condescending remarks about their ability to flex and how they'd look in a pair of tights we were ready to head off.
The route made its way for about 10km on a quiet road past farms, and homes along the base of a valley in the Newcastle area of New South Wales. The plan being to wend our way along the valley floor and then turn around just before the road climbed up into the hills beyond.
"This is why I run. This is why I get up at crazy hours. This is living." Almost without fail this is the next transition after pluming the depths of my sanity in those first waking moments. It's the pure joy and exhilaration of running. There's no better way to see a place - to experience a country - surrounded by the sweet strains of the Aussie accent, the rich aroma of the farmlands and trademark vista of the Aussie Eucalyptus. And even their company is not too bad. It's quite surprising, but thankfully they aren't all like Shane Warne.
The kilometers seem to fall away as we were caught up in the experience. It wasn't long before the iconic Aussie symbol...no not beer...the kangaroo was seen leaping across the road ahead of us. Shy, but inquisitive we saw many of them also seemingly out on their morning training hops. We were even treated to one of the myriad of Aussie snakes...although this one was either fast asleep or suffering from a hard night of partying. While we did not spot any Koalas...apparently its not their hunting season or something...there was no shortage of spiders. You wont be in Australia very long before realising that it's not flies that are the problem but spiders - a strange paradox indeed. And it wont be long before your friendly Aussie mate is indulging you in terrifying stories about how all the worlds deadliest venom dripping, 8-legged beasts live on their island. It's understandable - the scary stories must either come from a croc, a spider, a kangaroo or a koala...we really are spoilt in Africa.
Before we knew it we were closing in on the end of our run. The sun was beginning to paint the road in molten gold, and it felt as such when it touched us. I was immediately thankful we had started out early. That's another thing I must remember next time I'm in the valley of self-flagellation in those first waking moments - it will be cool.
As the 5 sweaty bodies clambered into the ute (bakkie for us South Africans) we were all grins and jokes. Everyone had made it, even young Reuben. All I can say is "That was a fair dinkum experience mate, and another great leap along the road to Comrades!"
Visit www.runningeasy.com for loads more tales, yarns, and great advice.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Runner's World Blog - Journey to Comrades 2011
Hey everyone,
Well the new year has gotten going with a great blast, and so has the running. Before you know it Comrades is panting down your neck. While the epic 90km race is only in the end of May, the training has already ramped right up. In 3 weeks time we have a marathon to run so we already need to hit out peak week this week. So Friday will see us slip out and do a 30km run....Eish!
And then the journey to Comrades 2011 will be well and truly on its way.
Anyway, please pop on over to the Runner's World page where I am writing a blog for them on our journey to Comrades 2011. We'd love to have you along for the journey and hear your thoughts and comments. So go here - http://ping.fm/56olw and grab the first issue...the next post will be about our exciting run in Australia (last week)- Kangaroos, snakes and more.
Yours in running easy
Craig
Well the new year has gotten going with a great blast, and so has the running. Before you know it Comrades is panting down your neck. While the epic 90km race is only in the end of May, the training has already ramped right up. In 3 weeks time we have a marathon to run so we already need to hit out peak week this week. So Friday will see us slip out and do a 30km run....Eish!
And then the journey to Comrades 2011 will be well and truly on its way.
Anyway, please pop on over to the Runner's World page where I am writing a blog for them on our journey to Comrades 2011. We'd love to have you along for the journey and hear your thoughts and comments. So go here - http://ping.fm/56olw and grab the first issue...the next post will be about our exciting run in Australia (last week)- Kangaroos, snakes and more.
Yours in running easy
Craig
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Scientific Research Proves Running Promotes Greatest Weight Loss
There are thousands and thousands of approaches to weight loss from Acai berries to special machines that will shake and wobble you in all the right places. Yet, while millions of dollars of advertising revenue push these "miracles" onto us, very few are backed by solid, reputable scientific research. Normally they are accompanied by glowing claims from previous participants or Dr X who nods sagely in agreement with the new technique, while undoubtedly receiving a handsome "appearance" fee. Yet when it comes to most things in life that we want to be certain of we rely on scientific proof. We rely on researchers who publish their findings in journals with incomprehensible names under titles full of even more confusing words. Proper scientific research that appears in peer-reviewed journals from recognized universities is the proof that we trust. Yet, amazingly we forget this when we desperately reach for another "miracle cure".
However, hidden within these musty, complex journals are thousands of proofs showing without doubt, what the most effective method for weight loss. Yet, sadly because we don't read these journals - unless you're a researcher - most people never get to find out what has been discovered. And so we continue to get our scientific "proofs" from TV commercials and website adverts.
If you are so inclined go and visit Google Scholar and search for "running promotes weight loss" and you will find all the proof you want. However, here are some examples of the amazing research that is hidden in these journals.
Research carried out at Berkley University found that the more weight you have to lose and the more you want to lose that weight, the better running is for you. The researchers found that “running promotes the greatest weight loss specifically in those individuals who have the most to gain from losing weight”.
In other research, Freeman and Janssen found that cardiovascular exercise like running is so effective at reducing weight loss it can be used without changing your eating habits and you’ll still lose weight. Now how many times have we heard this claim from magic pills and berries. Yet it is scientifically supported when it comes to running.
But there’s more! Research has found that running results in boosting your metabolism for up to 48 hours. That means that even when you stop running, your body keeps on running for nearly another two days. Dr. T Thomas found that runners burned 600-700 calories during an hour of running and then about 15% more calories than they normally would have during the next 48 hours. So even while you’re sleeping, watching TV, or at work, your metabolism is still out on a run and you’re losing weight!
And it’s easy! To keep your metabolism at it’s peak you only need to run every other day – and that’s exactly the easy plan behind Running Easy. In fact you only need to Run Easy just 3 times a week and you can enjoy the scientifically proven most effective, sustainable weight loss approach.
Find out about the other amazing scientific proofs associated with running - treating depression, treating ADHD, decreased chance of dying from all diseases, increased brain power and more. Go here and grab your free "10 Miracles of Running as Proved by Science", it's AMAZING - http://www.running-beginner.com
Research Sources
- P T Williams, Vigorous exercise and the population distribution of body weight, International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 120–128
- Ross, R., Freeman, J. A., & Janssen, I. (2000). Exercise alone is an effective strategy for reducing obesity and related comorbidities. Exercise and Sport Science Reviews, Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 165-170.
- Tom R. Thomas, Ph.D., University of Missouri
However, hidden within these musty, complex journals are thousands of proofs showing without doubt, what the most effective method for weight loss. Yet, sadly because we don't read these journals - unless you're a researcher - most people never get to find out what has been discovered. And so we continue to get our scientific "proofs" from TV commercials and website adverts.
If you are so inclined go and visit Google Scholar and search for "running promotes weight loss" and you will find all the proof you want. However, here are some examples of the amazing research that is hidden in these journals.
Research carried out at Berkley University found that the more weight you have to lose and the more you want to lose that weight, the better running is for you. The researchers found that “running promotes the greatest weight loss specifically in those individuals who have the most to gain from losing weight”.
In other research, Freeman and Janssen found that cardiovascular exercise like running is so effective at reducing weight loss it can be used without changing your eating habits and you’ll still lose weight. Now how many times have we heard this claim from magic pills and berries. Yet it is scientifically supported when it comes to running.
But there’s more! Research has found that running results in boosting your metabolism for up to 48 hours. That means that even when you stop running, your body keeps on running for nearly another two days. Dr. T Thomas found that runners burned 600-700 calories during an hour of running and then about 15% more calories than they normally would have during the next 48 hours. So even while you’re sleeping, watching TV, or at work, your metabolism is still out on a run and you’re losing weight!
And it’s easy! To keep your metabolism at it’s peak you only need to run every other day – and that’s exactly the easy plan behind Running Easy. In fact you only need to Run Easy just 3 times a week and you can enjoy the scientifically proven most effective, sustainable weight loss approach.
Find out about the other amazing scientific proofs associated with running - treating depression, treating ADHD, decreased chance of dying from all diseases, increased brain power and more. Go here and grab your free "10 Miracles of Running as Proved by Science", it's AMAZING - http://www.running-beginner.com
Research Sources
- P T Williams, Vigorous exercise and the population distribution of body weight, International Journal of Obesity (2004) 28, 120–128
- Ross, R., Freeman, J. A., & Janssen, I. (2000). Exercise alone is an effective strategy for reducing obesity and related comorbidities. Exercise and Sport Science Reviews, Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 165-170.
- Tom R. Thomas, Ph.D., University of Missouri
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
10 Miracles of Running - According to Science
If you want to lose weight, get fit, stay healthy and feel great then you need to discover the lost art of running. Every year thousands of "new" schemes are launched that claim to miraculously transfer you from the overweight, tired, sickly old-you to the miraculous new you. Yet most of these schemes, besides draining more fat from your wallet than your waist, are not supported by science. They are normally supported by the glowing testimonials of other "big losers". Yet what they fail to show is how these glowing, smiling, slim, healthy-looking people appear 6 months or 2 years later...when the hype is over and the ad revenue all spent. The bottom line is that any successful approach to weight loss has to be a "lifestyle approach".
If the approach is not natural, like gyrating your body on a special machine, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not easy, like having to go to a gym every day, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not fun, like spending hours indoors on a stationary bike, it will eventually fail.
A lifestyle approach to losing weight, getting fit, staying healthy, and feeling great must be natural, easy and fun.
Running is the most tried-and-tested and effective approach to enabling people to lose weight, stay healthy, look good and feel great of all time. While other fads come and go, since the dawn of civilization, running has been used. Humans are designed to run - yet sadly the approach that worked for thousands of years has been lost. It's been lost in competition, "trying harder", "no pain no gain" distortions. The result is that the secret of the most effective, most time-tested approach has been lost. Yet an overwhelming amount of scientific research (see http://ping.fm/9dLK9) is proving that the lost art of Running Easy is the ultimate approach to a healthy, energized and long life.
The natural art of running has been lost in our modern climate of competition, getting ahead by putting others down, and trying harder. For thousands of years people ran just for the sake of it. They ran to get from one place to another. They ran to bring a message to someone. They ran for the pure pleasure of it. And in this was the art of running. Running that was a natural and easy part of life - running that brought health, fitness and energy as naturally as breathing brings air and life. Rediscovering this approach to running is not only energizing, but is also fun and natural.
It's all about Running Easy not running hard. It's about "trying easier" not "trying harder". It's about running because we love it not because we have to. It's about walking before you are tired not because you are tired. It's about running for an enjoyable time not a fast time. When these principles of Running Easy are discovered, running becomes a lifestyle. And when running becomes a lifestyle, the full benefits of running are experienced and enjoyed.
Go here to grab an amazing report on the 10 scientifically proven miracles of running - http://ping.fm/CncFT
If the approach is not natural, like gyrating your body on a special machine, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not easy, like having to go to a gym every day, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not fun, like spending hours indoors on a stationary bike, it will eventually fail.
A lifestyle approach to losing weight, getting fit, staying healthy, and feeling great must be natural, easy and fun.
Running is the most tried-and-tested and effective approach to enabling people to lose weight, stay healthy, look good and feel great of all time. While other fads come and go, since the dawn of civilization, running has been used. Humans are designed to run - yet sadly the approach that worked for thousands of years has been lost. It's been lost in competition, "trying harder", "no pain no gain" distortions. The result is that the secret of the most effective, most time-tested approach has been lost. Yet an overwhelming amount of scientific research (see http://ping.fm/9dLK9) is proving that the lost art of Running Easy is the ultimate approach to a healthy, energized and long life.
The natural art of running has been lost in our modern climate of competition, getting ahead by putting others down, and trying harder. For thousands of years people ran just for the sake of it. They ran to get from one place to another. They ran to bring a message to someone. They ran for the pure pleasure of it. And in this was the art of running. Running that was a natural and easy part of life - running that brought health, fitness and energy as naturally as breathing brings air and life. Rediscovering this approach to running is not only energizing, but is also fun and natural.
It's all about Running Easy not running hard. It's about "trying easier" not "trying harder". It's about running because we love it not because we have to. It's about walking before you are tired not because you are tired. It's about running for an enjoyable time not a fast time. When these principles of Running Easy are discovered, running becomes a lifestyle. And when running becomes a lifestyle, the full benefits of running are experienced and enjoyed.
Go here to grab an amazing report on the 10 scientifically proven miracles of running - http://ping.fm/CncFT
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I don't do mornings, especially on holiday
There are loads of things that I really enjoy...sushi, hiking, technology, wine...and on and on the list can go. But there is one thing that will never be in this list - getting up early! "Hey Craig, don't you want to come along and see the amazing sunrise", are words that sometimes shatter my satiating slumber. And my reply is mostly the same, in some grumpy, slurred voice, "Take a photo and I'll look at that". I just love kids school holidays. The bliss of being able to sleep in until my body says, "OK dude, we're all done here." And so, there is no worse thing than suggesting, in the midst of a holiday, that I should participate in an activity prior to my natural emergence from blissful sleep.
Yet here I was, 6am and my eyes sprung open. Sleep had been vanquished, and two circles installed for eyes. I was awake, and felt awake. Outside a heavy misty cloud cover shrouded the land, adding a dampness to everything. I was keen, excited, to be out there. What enchantment had befallen me? Only one thing could draw me from my precious sombulant state, the prospect of a run. Not just any run, the first of the new year, in the beautiful mountains.
To the non-runner this sounds absolutely crazy! But for those who know, for those who have experienced it, there is nothing like an early morning run, in a beautiful place. The invigoration, the beauty, the energy is beyond words.
The run starts with a soft caress as we descend from our holiday home into the valley below for about 1km. Gently the last vestiges of sleep are erased as fresh air coarses through lungs, and the silent slap of feet on the road is all that disturbs the morning beauty. Birds busily sing their greeting as they prepare for the day below a thick cloud descending from the mountain ahead.
Then, all of a suddden, with little introduction, the run asserts itself, lest the partially entranced runner take the journey for granted. A huge hill suddenly looms menacingly in front of us, as the road snakes up and up, to be lost in the clouds above. In no time the only sound seems to be the bellows of some steam engine, as lungs frantically gasp for air, which seems to be at a premium in this mountain paradise.
Before any real steam is produced we change gear to a brisk walk. This is what makes Running Easy so awesome. The hill is relentless, climbing kilometer after kilometer up into the clouds. Walking and running, the cool mist caresses our bodies, and dampens the sound, leaving us in a strange dream space. Maybe I haven't woken up...but the salty sweat trickling down my face asserts otherwise.
The road finally reaches it's end, 8 kilometers later as it enters the National Parks Board. The mountains are still wearing their white night clothes, yet their imposing majesty is palpable nonetheless. Briefly, we savor a bottle of water, before turning around and heading home.
Homeward bound the journey feels like a surreal flight. The mist is still thick as it dances around us. As the road plummets into the valley below, it seems as though we are magically carried along. Cool air, soft light, cotton-muffled sounds weave a trance as the landscape flows by. This is a dream...I'm certain...but the best type of dream, a waking dream. This is why I run...even if I must get up early...to be alive, so very alive!
Yours in Running Easy
Craig
Yet here I was, 6am and my eyes sprung open. Sleep had been vanquished, and two circles installed for eyes. I was awake, and felt awake. Outside a heavy misty cloud cover shrouded the land, adding a dampness to everything. I was keen, excited, to be out there. What enchantment had befallen me? Only one thing could draw me from my precious sombulant state, the prospect of a run. Not just any run, the first of the new year, in the beautiful mountains.
To the non-runner this sounds absolutely crazy! But for those who know, for those who have experienced it, there is nothing like an early morning run, in a beautiful place. The invigoration, the beauty, the energy is beyond words.
The run starts with a soft caress as we descend from our holiday home into the valley below for about 1km. Gently the last vestiges of sleep are erased as fresh air coarses through lungs, and the silent slap of feet on the road is all that disturbs the morning beauty. Birds busily sing their greeting as they prepare for the day below a thick cloud descending from the mountain ahead.
Then, all of a suddden, with little introduction, the run asserts itself, lest the partially entranced runner take the journey for granted. A huge hill suddenly looms menacingly in front of us, as the road snakes up and up, to be lost in the clouds above. In no time the only sound seems to be the bellows of some steam engine, as lungs frantically gasp for air, which seems to be at a premium in this mountain paradise.
Before any real steam is produced we change gear to a brisk walk. This is what makes Running Easy so awesome. The hill is relentless, climbing kilometer after kilometer up into the clouds. Walking and running, the cool mist caresses our bodies, and dampens the sound, leaving us in a strange dream space. Maybe I haven't woken up...but the salty sweat trickling down my face asserts otherwise.
The road finally reaches it's end, 8 kilometers later as it enters the National Parks Board. The mountains are still wearing their white night clothes, yet their imposing majesty is palpable nonetheless. Briefly, we savor a bottle of water, before turning around and heading home.
Homeward bound the journey feels like a surreal flight. The mist is still thick as it dances around us. As the road plummets into the valley below, it seems as though we are magically carried along. Cool air, soft light, cotton-muffled sounds weave a trance as the landscape flows by. This is a dream...I'm certain...but the best type of dream, a waking dream. This is why I run...even if I must get up early...to be alive, so very alive!
Yours in Running Easy
Craig
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